Minnesota Reflections by N.G. Carlson

With an the helpful guidance from my editor, Robin Lindemann, the latest in the series of reflections books, Minnesota Reflections, is now available from Amazon.  The book includes reflected photos of a trip to Minnehaha Falls, U of Minnesota Duluth, The Mall of America, The U of Minnesota Twin Cities, Silverwood Park and a fireworks display at Duk Duk Days in New Hope. 

Photo from Minnesota Reflections

Photo from Minnesota Reflections

Minnesota Reflections video with images inspired by and from the book - 2 min. 36 seconds. 

More Reflections by N.G. Carlson is available now

The book, More Reflections  is available from Amazon.  It continues the study of a reflected world started in Reflections on Pareidolia.  Photos from the University of Minnesota and from Silverwood Park are included in this edition. 

This is a one minute video of some more recent mirror image photos from April of 2017.

Stairway picture from the book More Reflections

Reflections on Pareidolia available now

Weisman Art Museum - gates open N. Carlson

The book Reflections on Pareidolia: Mirrored images at the University of Minnesota is now available through Amazon, as well as a Kindle version Reflections on Pareidolia.   The book is a collection of mirror image photographs taken around the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus.

Weisman entrance -  N. Carlson

Fall Mirror - St. Paul Campus - N. Carlson

Coffman Union interiors

Stairway to cheese - N. Carlson

Cold fusion escalator - N. Carlson

Blue escape pods

Mirrored Coffman Union interiors created a few interesting visual environments that would be difficult to traverse.

Weisman Robots

Lamp man - N. Carlson

Point - N. Carlson

Robot Butler

How to Shoot Video that Doesn't Suck by Steve Stockman

Steve Stockman's book, How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck: Advice to Make Any Amateur Look Like a Pro covers the non-technical aspects of making short videos that are watchable. The book is organized into very short topic/chapters of typically less than five pages.

Some of the basic tips: Hold the camera still and use a tripod if possible.  Shoot in short five to 10 second bursts.  Watch a typical TV show like the Big Bang Theory. The camera rarely stays fixed on one shot for more than five to ten seconds before cutting to a shot from a different angle.  Whole scenes are typically less than five minutes.

I found his tips to be helpful.  I've begun using multiple camera angles and tripods for shooting training videos.  He also recommends adding music to a video to increase interest and to create an emotional impact.  Often using music that emotionally contrasts with the subject matter will will make the final product better.

Steve Stockman posts examples of his video tips on a companion website: Videothatdoesntsuck.com/ 

How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck - 3 min. 

Mirrored seating

Fourth of July beach chairs

McNamara Patio

Dining Area - McNamara